Ridgewood Reporter

November 1996

Volume 12, Issue 2

By Maggie Georgiou, Melissa Guynn and Scott Shudy

"Block Scheduling isn’t a threat to students or something to worry about," said Mr. London. Mr. London was talking about the proposed new schedule for next year. Block Scheduling is an attempt to make time work in the favor of students and teachers by allowing more time for students to be with their teachers and to lessen the number of courses at one time for students. Block Scheduling will increase the chance of getting credits by giving the opportunity to take as many as eight in a year.

Block scheduling has been discussed and looked at for about 2 1/2 years by the faculty. The original idea was from several teachers. The decision for Block Scheduling was based on available data from other schools, research on how students learn, and the information available on the Internet, from newspapers, books, and magazines.

Sixty percent of schools in North Carolina use block scheduling and fifty percent of schools in Virginia. Of the sixteen schools in our athletic conference, five schools currently use Block Scheduling. Based upon conversations with parents, students, and faculty, they have found that the failure rate is down and student stress is down. The students are able to take more electives, school climate improves, and students report they are learning more.

Mr. London is 100% convinced students and parents will love the change if they go into it with an open mind and give it a chance. The proposal is for a one year trial period. So if it doesn’t work, we will reevaluate. The School Board will have a final vote on Block Scheduling at the board meeting on November 18, 1996.

If adopted, the Block Schedule will be as follows: Block 1- 8:00 until 9:30 Block 2 - 9:40 until 11:10 Block 3 -11:15 until 1:25. There will be four periods in this block. You will have a 30 minute lunch (4 different lunch periods)-during this block, and the rest will be in block three classes. It will be possible to have lunch split up a class period. Block 4 - 1:30 until 3 p.m.

There will be ten minute passing periods between blocks. This time will be used to go to lockers, go to the washroom, talk to teachers, or converse with fellow students.

Available in the Library is a packet of materials about block scheduling. Included in this is a list of pros and cons and concerns that teachers, students, administrators, parents, and the community might have about block scheduling. It will be at the Checkout Desk.

This day has been coordinated by Ms. Mason and Mr. Lupo with the assistance of the Tech Prep committee. Expand your knowledge of many career opportunities available to people today.

Art Students Begin Partnership

The Art department has made arrangements to provide window art to the Harlem-Foster and Cumberland McDonalds restaurants for at least three holidays during the school year: Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the winter holidays. The first teams worked October 21 under the direction of Mr. Gates. Team members are Bridget Bielecki, Gia Ferraris, Chantilly Gall, Jenny Howitt, Luke Klatka, Martha Olson, Nicole Parsill, Joe Randazzo, Dina Revelis, Monica Rysztof, Vince Scaletta, and Grace Tomaszkowicz.

Letters to the editor must be signed (although the writer may request that the name not be printed). The Ridgewood Reporter reserves the right to edit material for space, legal liability, accuracy, and appropriate language. Submissions can be directed to Ms. Flinn or Ms. Sauter. Remember this is your school newspaper. It should reflect your views.

Outstanding Students Selected by Faculty

The following students have been selected as Students of the Quarter for the first quarter:

On Tuesday, November 5th Ridgewood students, faculty, and staff had an opportunity to note their choices for President/ Vice President, U.S. Senator, U. S. Representative, State Senator and State Representative (13th). There were two displays to help people make up their minds. One is in the Library lobby, and the other is in the showcase by the gym entrance. Now you can check out the results and how Ridgewood compared with the nation.

Students from several social studies classes are involved in a history recording project. They are researching the original residents of Norridge in preparation for the 50th anniversary in 1998. The project was initiated by Ms. Maniez. On October 11th Maggie Georgiou, Dina Politis, and Dee Dee Ray went with her to the County Building to research property records. Other students, including Sebastian Abbinanti, Jenny Lawrence, Kelly Peters and Valerie Sass, are researching newspapers and videotaping interviews.

There is still timefor students to become involved with Harwood Heights’ 50th anniversary in 1997. See Ms. Sauter or Ms. Maniez if interested.

School Closing

Ms. Adamson is a student teacher in P.E. She consented to be interviewed for the school newspaper.

Where and when were you born?
I was born in 1972 in Trimont, Minnesota.

Where did you attend grammar and high school?

I attended Trimont Elementary School and Martin County High School.

How do you feel about Ridgewood?

I love it. People are very nice- the students and staff, just everyone.

What is your favorite color?

Yellow and green.

What do you like about being a physical education instructor?

I like to play sports, and I like to teach about fitness activities and skills.

Do you have any hobbies?

Yes. I like to go biking, play sports, and sing and dance, I also enjoy going to the movies.

What is one thing about you that no one else knows?

Well, I have a secret desire to go to the moon!

What are your future plans?

I’m planning to finish college in December, and then I’ll be looking for a teaching job.

Have you heard the rumors? What? You don’t know that the RHS Drama Club’s Fall production is Rumors by Neil Simon? This comedy of errors will be presented November 14-16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Auditorium.

The basis of the play is how rumors get started and lead to misunderstandings. The characters have gathered together at their friends’ house to celebrate their tenth anniversary. But where is Myra, and why does Charley have a bullet wound in his ear? The rumors fly and mayhem commences throughout this outrageous comedy directed by Angee Lewandowski. Ridgewood graduate Joey Alaimo is her assistant.

Cast members include Seniors Angela Karcinski, Sanja Stevovic, and Kristina Tunzi; Juniors Mary Ruth Brzezicki, Danny Swibel, Anna Wasilewski, and John Zukowski; Sophomores Mike Favia and Jessica Poyner; and Freshman Mike Dicillo. The Stage Managers are Senior Sharon Dopak, and Juniors Chris Mejia and Kathy Rozek. Other crew members include Senior Laiza Trujillo, Junior Mike Pauley, Sophomore Annette Tylka, and other members of the Drama Club.

Mr. Lupo, Mrs. Lovero, and Mrs. Netterstrom received the honor of being nominated for the "Those Who Excel Award." Nominations took place last spring. They were all recognized at the Ridgewood Board of Education meeting in October

Mr. Lupo, who won the Award of Recognition, was nominated by Mr. London. He also got letters of recommendation from a teacher, from parents, and from someone in the community. He said, "I was flattered and pleased to receive the award. This award was for the whole state of Illinois, so it was a great honor to be nominated." He also said, "A lot of people deserve this award. It was nice to be recognized by those with whom and for whom you work.".

Mrs. Lovero, our social worker, was also nominated to receive this award under the category that includes people who provide support services. She said, "I felt very pleased that the people who nominated me thought I was doing a good job." Mrs. Lovero also said how much she enjoys working at Ridgewood. She said, "The kids here at Ridgewood are great, and that makes my job a lot easier." She also said that she wanted to let kids know they are welcome to come down anytime they need someone to talk to. She said, "My door is always open to those who want to stop by."

Mrs. Netterstrom, an English teacher here at R.H.S, was also nominated. She is the activity director, a student council adviser, and is a part of the Ridgewood Assistance program. Mrs. Netterstrom was recommended by Ms. Flinn, who said a very nice thing about Mrs. Netterstrom. Ms. Flinn said, "She nurtures her students’ emotional and social growth as well as their intellects." Mrs. Netterstrom shared how she felt about being nominated for this award. She said, "I was very flattered and pleased to have been nominated. It’s really nice to be recognized for something I love to do."

NHS Hits the Road

By: Sofia Frangiadakis

Commander Mitchell is in control and ready to lead his pack downtown. On November 6th NHS will go on a cultural tour of downtown Chicago.

The New Parent/Teacher Open House had a great turn out, with many Junior NHS candidates helping out. NHS members will serve as secretaries and guides on Parent Report Card Night.

Keep those grades up and get involved so you can better your chance of becoming an NHS member. Freshmen and sophomores - it is not too early to start working at becoming a member.

What is Peer Mediation?

By: Natalie Biancalana

Peer Mediation is a chance for students to resolve conflicts with the help of a student, a peer mediator, trained to help students work out and solve their differences. The peer mediators do not take sides or give advice. During the mediation session, disputants sit face to face, and each tells his or her own side of the story without interruption. Then, solutions are discussed, evaluated, and the best is mutually agreed upon. At the end of the session, a written contract is signed.

The most common problems which require help are name calling, threats, relationships, and problems created by rumors.

Through peer mediation it is hoped that students will learn to solve future conflicts by focusing on the problem at hand, listening to the other person’s viewpoint, and honestly expressing their feelings.

If you ever want the help of a peer mediator or if you would like more information, see Mrs. Mason in the Guidance Office.

There was standing room only in the Front Lobby October 30 as the Concert Chorus, Jazz Band, and Concert Band gave their first concert of the season under the direction of Steven Klaus. The Chorus sang three selections completely from memory accompanied by pianist Laurie Norton. Melissa Guynn and Al Kmiecinski sang solos in Beauty and the Beast.

The Jazz Band showed off their improvisational skills in three numbers. A highlight of the group's was "Detention Blues" featuring a vocal ensemble.

The Concert Band played a Russian folk song, "Meadowlands," music from Jurassic Park, and "Park Street Celebration."

The next performance for the three groups is the annual Holiday Concert December 19.

If you attended the home football games, pep assemblies, or the Homecoming Parade, you heard that the band has their act together. Besides playing for these events, the band and chorus also toured the elementary schools October 30. The chorus is practicing to take part in the Suburban Prairie Conference Choral Festival on November 21.

The band and chorus had a successful gift wrap sale, and are planning a nut and candy sale and a poinsettia sale for November, with delivery in December. Wouldn’t one be a great gift for someone you know?

Seniors Are Rolling in the Dough!!
Class of 98 wins again
Sophomores are rolling
Saturday Nigh Fever "Was" Hot!!
Get interested in the Chicago Metro History Fair
Night Rally Mania!
RHS has a Web presence

These articles were not ready at web press time. They will appear here soon.

Soccer is Awesome Awesome Awesome!!!!

The soccer team ended its season undefeated, with an awesome record of 14-0-2. This is an enviable record for a first year sport. Coach Bolanos was pleased with the boys’ play and has high hopes for the girls this spring. The team defeated St. Gregory at regionals on Thursday, October 24th. On Friday October 25th, they lost to New Trier (ranked number two in the State).

The players were split during the season into varsity and junior varsity, but most players played in all games. They kept their record undefeated during the regular season due to the enthusiasm and talent of the players. Coach Bolanos said, "It feels wonderful to be so successful. We had an unbelievable record for the first year." The team would like to thank all the people who cheered them on during the season.

Cross Country is running for the gold. Both the boys and girls qualified for sectionals. The cross country team currently has 21 members. The coaches are Greg Hauptman and Dave Borg. The runners on the team are Matt Altschul, Sharon Clemen, Emily Devalle, Jennene Fields, Corrie Guynn, Eric Hjelm, Vince Ho, Angela Karcinski, Kristin Keglovitz, Michelle Monson, Chris Pawula, Kristine Perez, Billy Peterhansen, Tony Raimondi, Andy Revelis, Ryan Rodriguez, Tom Rogal, Mark Siemen, Sara Shulda, Don Sica, Danny Swibel, and Kim Trieu. This year the team’s effort towards set goals is amazing. Almost everyone has accomplished his goal for the year.

"Even though this is an individual sport, all of the team members support each other and act like a close team," stated their coach Greg Hauptman. The coaches enjoy working with the team and having the chance to know each of them on a personal level. The coaches see the team as enthusiastic and fun and look forward to another year with most of them.

The scoring is different from most sports: 1st place receives 1 point, 2nd place receives 2 points, 3rd place receives 3 points, and so on. The points are then added up, and the team with the lowest total of points is the winner. The top five runners of the team score, and only seven runners are eligible, with a 12 runner maximum. The varsity boys run 3 miles, and everyone else runs 2 miles. The coaches believe the success of the program is because of the number of participants and the team’s competitiveness.

Rebels end football season with a victory

By Cathy Deregla

The Varsity Football team ended regular season play with a 28-7 victory over Yorkville October 26 even though they were outsized. Rzewnicki, Sznajder, and Wendel led the Rebels. Coach Marks said he was very proud of his team and especially of their win over Yorkville.

RHS lost 31-0 to Evergreen Park October 12. Every Rebel gave his last ounce of energy in the game, but Evergreen Park played outstanding offense. Rzenicki led the Rebels with 91 yards in 18 attempts. RHS had 174-yards in total offense.

Kaneland’s Knights beat the Rebels October 5 with a score of 26-12. The Knights Varsity team played an excellent defense, which the Rebels could not control the line of scrimmage on offense. Rzewnicki scored two of the Rebels touchdowns. The first came on an eleven-yard pass from DeFelice and the second on a two-yard run. Rzewnicki led the Rebels with 112-yards in fifteen carriers. C. Wendel recovered two Knights fumbles and blocked a kick. Floral, Marti, and G. Mueller each recovered a fumble. Carnegie and Painter each intercepted a Knights pass, while Barbanente deflected a kick.

Junior Varsity Volleyball Shows Team Effort Can Bring Results

By Stacy Mauer and Margie Lueth

The JV Volleyball team, coached by Ms. Lamiot, finished their season with a bang. During the season, the girls learned to work together as a team. With a record of 4-17, they started to fight back and win games. Co-captains Margie Lueth and Stacy Mauer did a fine job leading their team: Josie Chirchirillo, Erin Conley, Amanda Jachino, Anna Konieczna, Iwona Konieczna, Sandy Mananedakis, Kristi Meyer, Sylvia Petrocelli, and Nicole Scollard. Erin Conley did an excellent job in saving loose balls. Stacy Mauer, Margie Lueth, Anna Konieczna, Iwona Konieczna, and Josie Chirchirillo have all done a great job sharing responsibilities as setters. Back-row players Amanda Jachino, Sandy Mananedakis, and Nicole Scollard have showed their talent by playing aggressively. Kristi Meyer has helped the team tremendously with her powerful serves. Sylvia Petrocelli has been consistent with her spikes. The girls have shown what team effort can accomplish. The Varsity team looks forward to having many of the girls move up next season.

Volleyball hangs on despite injuries

By: Sofia Frangiadakis

Girls’ varsity volleyball team could be doing better as stated by one of the players. They are a very talented team, but unfortunately they have been plagued by injuries. They have had quite a few of the juniors play. The Girl’s last volleyball home game was on October 22 against Lemont. They won in regionals on Tuesday October 29th but were defeated in the second round of regional play at Timothy Christian.

The Ridgewood Reporter Staff

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